National Space Society to Host 26th Annual Conference in Dallas, Convening Pioneers from Government and Private Space Programs

2007 International Space Development Conference Set for Memorial Day Weekend

WASHINGTON, Feb. 21, 2007 – The National Space Society (NSS) today announced details of the 2007 International Space Development Conference (ISDC), which will bring together leaders from NASA, the burgeoning private space industry and international space programs to share the latest news and preview tomorrow’s space technologies. The premier public space event for 26 years running, this year’s ISDC will begin on Friday, May 25, 2007 in Dallas, Texas.

Additionally, two pre-conference events are scheduled in the days leading up to ISDC, including the Symposium on Space Venture Finance on Thursday, May 24, and the bi-annual meeting of the Aerospace Technology Working Group (ATWG) from May 22 through May 24.

More than 30 prominent space leaders have already confirmed their participation in ISDC 2007, including: Rep. Nick Lampson, U.S. Congressman from Texas; Buzz Aldrin, legendary Apollo astronaut and Chairman of the ShareSpace Foundation; Robert Bigelow, hotel entrepreneur and founder of Bigelow Aerospace; Michael Coats, director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center and former space shuttle commander; Dr. Simon “Pete” Worden, director of NASA’s Ames Research Center; Laurie Leshin, Director of Sciences and Exploration at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center; John Carmack, legendary computer game designer and founder of Armadillo Aerospace; Donna Shirley, management consultant, author and former manager of NASA/JPL’s Mars Exploration Program; Rick Homans, New Mexico’s Economic Development Cabinet Secretary and driving force behind the state’s planned spaceport; Hugh Downs, legendary journalist and Chairman of the National Space Society’s Board of Governors; Rusty Schweickart, Apollo 9 astronaut and founder of the Near Earth Object-focused B612 Foundation; Dr. Shannon Lucid, astronaut, scientist and former record holder for long-duration space flight; Dr. Paul Spudis, lunar science expert; and many others. An extended list of confirmed speakers can be found on the regularly-updated ISDC Web site: www.ISDC2007.org.

The conference will include programs, presentations and exhibits focused on space exploration and settlement, astronomy and scientific research, commercial space ventures, space tourism, and other exciting topics. The conference will also feature displays of real spaceflight hardware, such as Armadillo Aerospace’s historic ‘Quad’ rocket vehicle.

The ISDC 2007 theme, “From Old Frontiers to New: Celebrating 50 Years of Spaceflight,” honors the trailblazing spirit that has always been the lifeblood of space explorers around the world.

Call for Papers. The National Space Society is seeking speakers to discuss the latest issues in space technology, science, policy, commerce, medicine, exploration, settlement and more at the conference. Individuals wishing to speak must submit an abstract of 300-500 words by Friday, March 16, 2007. Additional information on details, guidelines and the abstract submission process can be found by visiting the conference Web site.

Registration. ISDC Registration is open to the public at: www.ISDC2007.org, or by calling (202) 429-1600. Conference registration rates are:

• Pre-registration by March 15 is $135 ($115 for seniors), $110 for NSS/affiliate members ($90 for senior members) and $30 for students.
• Normal registration by May 11 is $150 ($125 for seniors), $125 for NSS/affiliate members ($100 for senior members) and $30 for students.
• On-site registration at ISDC is $175 ($145 for seniors), $150 for NSS/affiliate members ($125 for senior members) and $50 for students.

Registration for pre-conference events – including the Space Venture Symposium and ATWG Meeting – and for meals and tours during the conference is additional and will be available on the ISDC Web site in March.

Media Credentials. Members of the media who wish to cover one or more days of the conference may request ISDC media credentials by completing the secure online credential request form at http://www.isdc2007.org/mediaform.html.

Pre-Conference Events. The NSS Symposium on Space Venture Finance and bi-annual meeting of the Aerospace Technology Working Group (ATWG) will be held before ISDC 2007 formally opens. The Space Venture Finance Symposium will take place on Thursday, May 24 and will bring together leaders from the world of finance as well as the new generation of space entrepreneurs to discuss the future of space business. The Aerospace Technology Working Group (ATWG) will run from Tuesday, May 22 to Thursday, May 24. ATWG is a technical forum chartered originally by NASA with the purpose of facilitating an open dialogue between government, industry and academia concerning advanced space technology issues.

ISDC will be held May 25 to 28, 2007 at the Hotel InterContinental Dallas, 15201 Dallas Parkway in Addison, Texas. The hotel is located 18 miles east of DFW International Airport. More information about the conference, including a daily-updated speakers list, online media registration, hotel information, and a call for papers is available on the conference Web site at www.ISDC2007.org.

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About NSS

The National Space Society (NSS) is an independent, grassroots organization dedicated to the creation of a spacefaring civilization. Founded in 1974, NSS is widely acknowledged as the preeminent citizen’s voice on space. NSS counts thousands of members and more than 50 chapters in the United States and around the world. The society also publishes Ad Astra magazine, an award-winning periodical chronicling the most important developments in space. For more information about NSS, visit www.nss.org.

For more information:

Jeremy Pyle
Vice President of Public Affairs
National Space Society
(415) 713-6272
jeremy@nss.org